The Bellinghome Battle is more than a game

Click here for the full album of photos from the 2026 Bellinghome Battle.

There are many traditions and special moments across our school district each year. One such occasion is the annual Bellinghome Battle between Bellingham High and Sehome High.

The 2026 edition took place on Thursday, Jan. 29 with a varsity basketball doubleheader at Sehome High School. A full house of fans packed the gym with energy and school spirit to witness the friendly competition.

For nearly thirty years, 1967 to 1998, there were only two high schools in Bellingham Public Schools (Bellingham and Sehome) so the cross-town, local games between the two were an obvious instant rivalry whenever they played.

In the 2016-17 season, the name “Bellinghome” took root, and was modeled after the Tiger/Hawk (Burlington/Anacortes) event, according to Sehome’s athletics and activities coordinator Colin Cushman.

“We wanted a way to encourage positive sportsmanship, crowd engagement and a greater sense of community,” Cushman shared.  “It has taken a life of its own and kids and parents love it and the positive comments I get from parents and kids is amazing.”

Bellingham High's athletics and activities coordinator Chad Larsen concurred and added that this was also a chance to teach on and off the court. "We saw this as an opportunity to re-emphasize appropriate fan behavior at games," Larsen said. 

"Students from both schools meet in advance to plan and create a shared and agreed upon student section sportsmanship/performance rubric," he continued. 

"It's been a powerful and effective reminder that you can be involved at any level and still make a positive impact at an event."

The basketball players, the dance and cheer teams, as well as the huge attendance by the student bodies of both schools create an event-filled night every year.

Student athletics and activities are made possible thanks to community support of our local levies.

Visit our activities and athletics web page for links to seasonal schedules.